1. A Scientific American podcast/article brings to light an interesting study on the correlation between self-control and aggression, which ties in to JDK’s conference talk about the thin line between threat and promise (recording coming Monday!), ht JD:

Past studies have shown that exerting self-control may increase irritability and anger. But the new research found that the increased aggression brought on by self-restraint has a much broader effect. The researchers studied different types of self-control and the subjects’ subsequent behavior. For instance, participants who carefully controlled their spending of a gift certificate were more interested…

Another preview of our new publication The Gospel According To Pixar. The following represents a portion of the addendum to the talk on Ratatouille (2007) entitled “Passion, Purpose and Pest-Control.” Major spoilers ahead.

Brad Bird’s Ratatouille is the story a rat named Remy who dreams of being a cook. And he gets that chance via the hapless Linguini, a down-on-his-luck janitor at the famous Parisian restaurant Gusteau. Through a convoluted series of events, Remy ends up directing Linguini’s movements from under his toque, earning him a position as top chef at Gusteau’s. Remy’s cooking attracts the attention of the film’s…

If you’re a LOSTaholic like me, you will be familiar with this clip from a recent episode of the show. But whether you’ve seen LOST or not, this scene packs a real emotional punch. (If you don’t know much about the show, here’s some background information so that you’ll be able to get a better handle on things):

The Island: A mysterious, supernatural place, where the characters are currently stranded.
Locke: A devilish figure, mysteriously bound to the Island, who is attempting to escape with some devoted followers.
Ben: A Machiavellian, murderous, deceitful man who for years ruled the…

General Plot: Monsters, Inc. is about two monsters, Sully and Mike, who work for the Monsters, Inc company. Sully and Mike encounter a little girl, “Boo,” who has snuck into the Monster world from the human world via her closet door. Human children are considered a great health risk to monsters and could possibly cause death. Together, with a host of other monsters, Sully, Mike, and (the one of the villains) Randall work to collect “screams” from children. The more the monsters can make the children scream, the more energy they collect. This energy is what powers Monstropolis (Monster City,…

I’m planning a Sunday evening series for the next few months called “Jesus at the Movies” (stop by if you’re in Jersey City)… so I’ve been spending a lot of time standing in front of my movie wall. I’ve ripped a bunch of clips from my collection, and am ready to start some good theological conversation. But I missed one. A parishioner asked…

This morning I saw this PBS Story on screenwriter Joe Eszterhas. A few years ago, he reached the end of his rope and was rescued by God. The way he talks about God’s work is fantastic! Below are a few gems from the interview.

At the risk of being a serial poster on this issue, I wanted to share the following article about Davos from today’s NYT. I feel that this event, given the current economic conditions, epitomizes the tension between the theologian of glory and the theologian of the cross:

Davos is usually about rubbing elbows in tight quarters at standing-room only cocktail parties. But just steps from the main conference center is a very different take on rubbing elbows in tight quarters: A simulation of what it is like live in a refugee camp facing rebel…

In honor the series we’re doing this summer, which starts tonight (7-9pm at St Georges), here’s a compilation of the public service announcements that the stars of the show made a couple years ago. Some are definitely funnier than others, and a couple are a tad vulgar. Kelly’s are probably my favorite:

About

WHAT: Mockingbird seeks to connect the Christian faith with the realities of everyday life in fresh and down-to-earth ways.

WHY: Are we called Mockingbird? The name was inspired by the mockingbird’s peculiar gift for mimicking the cries of other birds. In a similar way, we seek to repeat the message we have heard - God’s word of grace and forgiveness.

HOW: Via every medium available! At present this includes (but is not limited to) a daily weblog, semi-annual conferences, and an ongoing publications initiative.

WHO: At present, we employ two full-time staff, David Zahl and Ethan Richardson, and two part-time, CJ Green and Bryan Jarrell. They are helped and supported by a large number of contributing volunteers and writers. Our board of directors is chaired by Mr. Thomas Becker.

WHERE: Our offices are located at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlottesville, VA.

WHEN: Mockingbird was incorporated in June 2007 and is currently in its ninth year of operation.

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